Slovenian Alps Hiking Guide

Hiking in the Slovenian Alps is like walking into a living-breathing fairy tale. Each step pampers you with magical landscapes and storybook scenes that look like a mirage materializing before your very eyes. It’s a continuous visual feast composed of emerald-colored lakes, roaming ibex, and fields of Edelweiss. 

The Slovenian Alps are made up of three mountain ranges: the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karawanks. This guide will introduce you to the most enchanting hiking destinations in these mountain ranges, with tips on specific hiking trails and places to stay. 

Slovenian Alps Hiking Gear

Slovenia has tons of heart-pounding trails, which require sure-footedness, a head for heights, and proper gear. If you want to hike hut-to-hut or tackle some challenging peak summits, we recommend the following gear:

• Climbing Helmet like his women’s helmet and this men’s helmet. In the Slovenian mountains, there’s always a danger of rockfall.
• Climbing Gloves like these black diamond half-finger gloves
• Sturdy Grade B/C Hiking Shoes –  like the women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX / Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (what Kati and I wear) or the men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX.
• Hiking Poles like these Black Diamond trail poles.
• CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses

Waymarks in the Slovenian Alps

Hiking trails are marked with the red Knafeljc waymark, which is a red circle with a white center. Trail markings are generally well-maintained and easy to follow.

In this guide, you’ll find lots of hiking trail options. But, trail conditions can always change. Please check this website for up-to-date information on trail closures.

Lake Bohinj and the Southern Julian Alps

Cradled by the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj stretches across Bohinj Valley, reaching a length of 4.35 km. Firmly situated within Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s largest lake is an ideal destination for an active summer trip packed with tons of day hiking. And after your hike, you can gleefully dip into the crystal-clear waters of Bohinj. 

Though a mere 25-minute drive from Lake Bled, this glacial lake couldn’t be more different. Largely overlooked by most visitors, Lake Bohinj is a peaceful and laid-back place to base yourself for a few days, when hiking in the Slovenian Alps.

Below, you’ll find a list of Lake Bohinj hikes, grouped by the trailhead. Before setting off, make sure to check here for trail updates.

Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz Hikes

On the eastern end of Lake Bohinj, the small settlements of Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz mark the starting points for hikes to Mostnica Gorge, the Bohinj alpine pastures, and various lookout points.

• Stara Fužina to Kosijev dom na Vogarj (Bohinj Lookout Point)
• Stara Fužina to Rudnica Viewpoint 
• Stara Fužina to Mostnica Gorge and Mostnica Waterfall in Voje Valley

Planina Blato Hikes

To access more hiking trails on the north side of Lake Bohinj, drive to Planina Blato via a toll road (12 EUR). From this high alpine pasture, you can hike to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, Planina Lazu, and even all the way to the Seven Lakes Valley.

• Triglav Lakes Valley – This is the easiest approach to the famous Seven Lakes Valley.
• Bohinj Alpine Pasture Loop, as described in our Julian Alps Hiking Guide.
• Veliko Špičje – 2-day route to the Veliko Špičje summit.

Vogel Ski Resort Hikes

On the western end of Lake Bohinj, more trails begin from Ukanc village and Vogel Ski Resort.

With a convenient cable car ascent to Vogel Ski Resort, you can embark on hikes to Mount Vogel and Mount Rodica in the Southern Julian Alps.

You can even hike from the Vogel cable car mountain station (Rjava Skala) all the way to Komna plateau and the Savica waterfall.

Ukanc and Koča pri Savici hut HIkes

From Koča pri Savici mountain hut (located above Ukanc), you can hike to Dom na Komni mountain hut and the Seven Lakes Valley. Here are some trails to check out:

• Koča pri Savici to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih– this is the more difficult ascent route to the Seven Lakes Valley
• Ukanc to Savica Waterfall Circuit 

Where to Stay around Lake Bohinj

There are three villages around Lake Bohinj: Stara Fužina, Ribčev Laz, and Ukanc. If you want access to restaurants and shops, stay in Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz. If you want to stay somewhere very idyllic and peaceful, stay in Ukanc.

Top Choice – Luxury | In Stara Fužina, we recommend staying in the boutique Hotel Majerca for great views, al fresco dining, and overall design concept.

Top Choice – Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the heart of Ribčev Laz, a mere 2-minute walk to the lake. Hotel Bohinj is an architectural masterpiece, which celebrates the cultural heritage of Bohinj with its bold design choices and symbolic motifs. Lake Bohinj’s finest hotel features a on-site restaurant, garden, and spa (extra charge). 

Midrange | The recently renovated Residence Novak Bohinj offers stylish one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens in an idyllic area of Stara Fužina.

Midrange | Hiša Erlah is a comfortable and relaxing bed and breakfast in Ukanc with easy lake access. You can borrow kayaks, SUPs, and bikes during your stay.

Midrange | Set in a quiet location ringed by forest in Ukanc, the top-rated Bohinj Apartments Goldhorn Kingdom (Apartmaji Kraljestvo Zlatoroga) is a 3-star apartment complex (1-2 bedrooms). Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Extra perk: daily housekeeping.

Midrange | Apartments Ukanc offers clean and functional apartments in Ukanc.

Luxury | Chalet Apartments ALPIK offers cozy 1-3 bedroom apartments with well-appointed kitchens in a fairy-tale-like location in Ukanc.

Luxury | Villa Park B&B – ADULTS ONLY is a bed and breakfast in Ukanc with a large garden situated next to the Savica stream, which flows into Lake Bohinj.

Kranjska Gora and the Northern Julian Alps

Kranjska Gora is the gateway to the Northern Julian Alps, and an ideal base for day hiking. From this alpine resort town, you can reach popular trailheads along Vršič Road, Planica, and Gozd Martuljek.

If you’re looking for a hut-to-hut hike, check out our Triglav National Park Traverse, starting at Vršič Pass and ending in Lake Bohinj. 

Maps:

• KOMPASS Hiking Map 2801 Julian Alps/Julijske alpe, Kamnik Alps/Kamniske alpe 1:75 000
• Julian Alps: Hiking Map FB WK141 1:50 000 (Freytag + Berndt)

Vršič Road, Vršič Pass Hikes

• Slemenova Špica – trail details in our Kranjska Gora in Summer Guide.
• Mt. Špik
• Mt. Mala Mojstrovka (via ferrata hike)
• Prisojnik / Prisank (via ferrata hike)

Planica Hikes

• Dom v Tamarju mountain hut – trail details in our Julian Alps Hiking Guide.

Hikes Starting in Gozd Martuljek

• Martuljek Waterfalls 
• Srednji Vrh – Vošca

Stay in Kranjska Gora

Midrange | Hotel Vandot is a hospitable B&B in the center of Kranjska Gora with clean and cozy rooms and parking (extra charge).

Midrange | Pri Marusi is a top-rated guesthouse set in a quiet location in Kranjska Gora with free parking and breakfast.

Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Pino Alpino is an impressive 3-star hotel with an on-site à la carte restaurant and bar, located in Kranjska Gora’s pedestrian zone. Breakfast is included. Free private parking is located behind the hotel.

Midrange-Luxury | Hiša Kosobrin offers modern apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. The property is located on the bank of the Sava Dolinka river, just outside of the town center. Guests have access to a sauna and private parking.

Top Choice – Luxury | Boutique Hotel Skipass is a 4-star, family-run boutique hotel with a wine bar serving Slovenian wines and cold cuts. Stay here for the comfortable rooms, fresh à la carte breakfast, and kind and attentive staff. 

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

Mojstrana and the Northern Julian Alps

The village of Mojstrana is located 14-km east of Kranjska Gora. From here, three parallel valleys fan out southwards into the Julian Alps: Vrata Valley, Kot Valley, and Krma Valley. The most popular ascent routes to Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain, start in Vrata Valley and Krma Valley.

Mojstrana HIkes

If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, check out the Triglavska Bistrica Trail, which follows the Triglavska Bistrica stream from Mojstrana to the head of Vrata Valley.

Another trail to consider is the one to the panoramic hill Vrtaško Sleme, which rises above Mojstrana.

Vrata Valley Hikes

• Triglavska Bistrica Trail and Peričnik waterfall
• Aljažev dom v Vratih – Škrlatica – very demanding and long trail (experts only)
• Aljažev dom v Vratih – Križ and Stenar – very demanding and long trail
• Triglav ascent route: Čez Prag Route – demanding ascent route

Krma Valley Hikes

The longest, but considerably easier ascent route to Mount Triglav is from Krma Valley. The hike takes 2 days and requires a via ferrata kit for the final stretch to the summit.

Note: you can also approach Mount Triglav from the South from Pokljuka, which is what we did. Read about this 2-day Mount Triglav hike here.

Stay in Mojstrana

Stay at Hostel Lukna (budget), Guesthouse Veranda (midrange), or Mountain View Glamping (luxury).

Look for accommodation in Mojstrana.

Pokljuka Plateau

Pokljuka is a high alpine plateau, situated between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park.

This hidden oasis of alpine pastures and forest is another entry point into the Julian Alps. The most popular trailhead on the plateau is Rudno Polje, where Hotel Center Pokljuka is located.

It’s also possible to ascend to Mount Triglav from Pokljuka.

Learn More: Hidden Wonders of Pokljuka Plateau

Rudno Polje Hikes

• Planina Zajamniki (better with a bike)
• Viševnik – Short Day Hike. Popular Summit in the Julian Alps.
• Blejska koča na Lipanci and Debela peč
• Mount Triglav – This southern approach to Triglav is the easiest ascent route.

All trails starting at Rudno Polje.

Medvedova konta Car Park Hikes

• Debela peč and Brda

Stay in Pokljuka

There are only a few hotels on Pokljuka, including Hotel Pokljuka and Hotel Center Pokljuka.

There are also several chalets and cabins, including Vila Triglav on Pokljuka and Zalin planinski raj.

Look for accommodation in Pokljuka.

Stay in Bled

Bled is an alternative base for exploring Pokljuka Plateau. From Lake Bled, it’s a mere 20-30 minute drive up to the various Pokljuka trailheads. If you stay in Bled, don’t miss the Vintgar Gorge trail and the Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica viewpoint hike.

Budget | Guesthouse Marko is a top-rated guesthouse in Bled, walking distance to the lakeshore.

Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled.

Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location.

Luxury | Adora Luxury Hotel is a lakefront boutique hotel with 7 luxurious suites. Stay here for the lake views and dreamy location. Breakfast is available for an extra charge.

Luxury | Vila Bled is a historic lakefront hotel with 33 rooms. Set in a quiet area of Lake Bled, guests can enjoy the historical flair of President Tito’s former summer residence. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | Bled Rose Hotel is a modern, 4-star hotel in the center of Bled. The hotel features an on-site bar, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness room, and private beach area. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Look for accommodation in Lake Bled.

Solčavsko Region and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Solčavsko Region is one of the most pristine alpine regions in Slovenia. Nestled against the Austrian Border, Solčavsko encompasses Logar Valley, Robanov Kot (valley), Matkov Kot (valley), and Podolševa.

From these valleys, you can hike into the heart of the Kamnik Savinja Alps. Here are some of our favorite day hikes:

• Logar Valley to the Kamnik Saddle and Planjava (Difficult)
• Logar Valley to Ledinski Vrh (Moderate)
• Robanov Kot to Robanova Planina (Easy, Family-friendly)

Learn More: Best Things to Do in Logar Valley

Where to Stay in Solčavsko Region

Budget | Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold is a guesthouse with a gardena and on-site restaurant. Breakfast is available (extra charge).

Budget | Prenočišča Valentina is a great value guesthouse in Solčava with simple, but spotless and spacious rooms. Breakfast is available (extra charge).

Budget | Turistična kmetija Čerček is a farm stay happily situated on the bank of the Savinja River in Solčava. 2 nights minimum stay. Breakfast is available (extra charge).

Budget-Midrange | Farm Stay “Alpine Dreams” is a farm stay situated on the Solčava panoramic road, overlooking Logar Valley and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. 2 nights minimum stay. Breakfast is available (extra charge).

Midrange | Natur Bajta offers two one-bedroom apartments in Solčava, housed in a renovated barn. Natural wood and black fixtures dominate, lending the place a rustic yet stylish look. 2 nights minimum stay.

Luxury | Hotel Pesnik is the one and only hotel in Logar Valley. It boasts an on-site restaurant, a wellness area, and outdoor natural pool. Breakfast is included in the rate. Stay here for the views and the comfort.

Kamniška Bistrica and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Kamniška Bistrica is a tiny dispersed settlement in Kamniška Bistrica Valley.

This is one of the easiest gateways to the Kamnik Alps. From Dom v Kamniški Bistrici, you can hike to Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu, or Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu. Both mountain huts are excellent starting points for summitting surrounding peaks.

We started this Kamnik-Savinja Alps hut to hut hike in Kamniška Bistrica.

Hiking Resources:

• We recommend the Kartografija or Grintovci 1:25 000 maps for all hikes in the Kamnik Savinja Alps.

Stay in Kamniška Bistrica or Kamnik

We stayed at Dom v Kamniški Bistrici in Kamniška Bistrica (budget) and really liked our experience. If you rather stay the night in a tiny house and enjoy the surrounding nature on your own, check out Skalca (midrange). Both places are located right at the trailhead(s) in Kamniška Bistrica.

Lepa Lopa is another great option if you love glamping. It’s only a 30 minutes walk to the end of the road (Dom v Kamniški Bistrici).

Look for accommodation in Kamniška Bistrica.

For a more comfortable experience, stay at Hotel MD Kamnik (luxury) located in Kamnik city centre.

Look for accommodation in Kamnik.

Jezersko and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Zgornje Jezersko is a small Slovenian village, located very close to the Austrian border. It’s another gateway to the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Rivaling the beauty of Logar Valley, Jezersko’s Ravenska kočna valley is a splendid place to walk and simply enjoy alpine views.

From the tiny Planšarsko jezero lake in Jezersko, continue driving 3 km up Ravenska kočna to the parking lot at the end of the road. From here, you can hike to Češka Koča mountain hut (1:30 hrs one-way) and Goli Vrh peak (2 hrs one-way).

Stay in Jezersko

Budget | Cvet gora – Camping, Glamping and Accommodations offers traditional rooms in their guesthouse as well as glamping cabins with shared bathroom facilities.

Midrange | We recommend staying in the 15th-century Šenkova domačija Farm. This magical place is brimming with free-roaming chickens and ducks and wide enclosures of cows and sheep. This is one of the most magical places in Slovenia.

5-star Luxury | Boutique hotel Vila Planinka is a chic alpine hotel with sumptuous rooms, an award-winning restaurant, cozy communal areas, and a sauna. Breakfast is included in the rate. Dinner is a 4-7 course dining experience (vegan tasting menus available), highlighting local recipes lovingly prepared with ingredients of Slovenian origin. Ask the resident sommelier for Slovenian wine recommendations.

Look for accommodation in Zgornje Jezersko.

Karawanks

Like the Julian Alps and Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Karawanks (Karavanke) are a mountain range in the Southern Limestone Alps. Running along the Austrian-Slovenian border, this 120 km-long range is yet another hiking destination in the Slovenian Alps. Here are some trails that are on our bucket list for future visits:

• Stol – the highest mountain in the Karawanks mountain chain
• Vrtača – the second highest peak in the Karawanks mountain chain
• Kofce Mountain Hut – family-friendly destination just below the Košuta ridge
• Veliki vrh and Kladivo – popular summits along the Košuta ridge
• Košutnikov Turn – highest summit along the Košuta ridge

Stay in Tržič

The town of Tržič is the gateway to Košuta, the longest mountain in Slovenia.

Glamping | Glamping Mountain Fairy Tale are air-conditioned glamping cabins in Bistrica pri Tržiču. Each unit features kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Hot tubs are available at an extra charge with prior notice. Breakfast is included. And, you can rent bikes on-site.

Look for accommodation in Tržič.